Highsteppin' on out the door

Decota decided to try out and join the Highsteppers Drill Team her Freshman year. It has been an interesting experience for her this year. While she has loved having the opportunity to be a part of a team and dance everyday, she has not been thrilled with all of the people she is around everyday for extended periods of time. She has not loved the actual football, drill team dancing. She has not liked the disorganization of the team. She has not liked the slow pace that they work at. In the end she became miserable and disenchanted with the whole Highstepper experience. Of course she did not want to give up dancing and competing entirely, so we found her a dance company and studio that will allow her to continue to grow the way she wants to grow in dance.

Today was the culmination of her time on the team. This afternoon we had her banquet. A few tears were shed by her as she watched the slide show and listened to the farewell speeches given by the seniors. I was afraid there might be some regrets as the year came to the end and she was faced with the reality of her decision to not be a part of the team next year. She assured me that she had no regrets as we left the banquet, but I knew we still had to get through the final performances that evening.

Tonight she was on stage for the last time as a part of the team. She did amazing! I love to watch her dance, and it was fun to see her smile shine and stand out even when there were so many girls surrounding her. They all did beautifully, but I must say that she looked great. However, as I watched the show I knew for certain that she had made the right choice for her if she was serious about dance and wanted to see how much potential she has in it. While the team looked great, there was not a whole lot of difficult technique or fine tuning to their moves. When they broke into small ensemble groups the differences between the level of dance, skill and talent that the girls posses became glaringly apparent. If she really wants to push herself, she will only be able to do this in a smaller, more intimate, and more demanding environment. I think she will be able to grow so more quickly in much less time.

As the show finished and she met us in the Lobby there were.no tears, no regrets. She was smiling from ear to ear, glad it was done, knowing she had done her best and was moving on. No regrets.

I am sure there will be time during the next year when she will miss parts of being a Highstepper. There may even be moments when she questions her decision. But I am so glad that she is such a strong, independent person that is able to make decisions and know with a certainty that she is making the correct one for her. That when she makes a decision no amount of teacher pressure, peer pressure, persuasion or worry is going to dissuade her from her course. I am amazed by the maturity and strength of this incredible 15 year old girl.

Now on she goes- on her way to new adventures, new lessons and new experiences.

No regrets!